Good morning, State College.

State College will host Arts Fest from July 9 through July 13, featuring free performances, art exhibitions, food vendors, races, and a new Kids Zone to engage families.

Visitors can use downtown parking garages or a free bus service—ensuring easy access to the event’s multiple venues.

The Downtown State College Improvement District launched a fourth-year military banner program on July 1 that lets local families purchase personalized banners for $350 to honor military heroes during Military Appreciation Month in November.

Banners will be installed on lampposts downtown in late October and will be displayed through November 2026—proceeds support the Penn State Military Student Fund to aid service members, veterans and their families.

State College artists show their work at Arts Fest and People’s Choice Festival and travel to many events to share their crafts, though some prefer to stay close to home.

They spend hours setting up and face challenges like bad weather — all while connecting with customers and learning new trends.

A new drinking game for Arts Fest 2025 offers simple rules where players take shots for events like skipping work or buying art, adding a playful twist to the festival experience — organizers urge everyone to drink responsibly.

Attendees at the festival can follow the game to enjoy the mix of art and fun while keeping safety in mind.

Four emerging leaders in science and innovation were chosen as the first fellows in Penn State’s Next-Gen Innovators Fellowship, a one-year paid program aimed at closing training gaps in research translation and tech commercialization.

They started in June with a four-month rotation at the Office of Technology Transfer—followed by placements at a local venture partner and a startup for hands-on experience.

Penn State pitcher Ryan DeSanto delivered a strong season as the Friday starter, throwing 72.2 innings with a 3.96 ERA and a memorable seven-inning game against USC.

The left-handed pitcher—known for his unique sidearm delivery—boosted his draft stock and could be a promising prospect for the Rays as he nears the MLB draft.

Former Penn State men's hockey center Connor MacEachern (25) will play in Sweden for Mora IK in 2025 after a four-year career earning 77 points in 130 games and serving as an alternate captain in the 2022-23 season.

Tyson Harley, a 6-foot-4—215-pound edge rusher from Gonzaga College High School, committed Sunday to join Penn State Football after choosing the Nittany Lions over offers from Maryland, Michigan State, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

He is rated No. 2 among D.C. prospects and No. 33 among national defensive ends, recording 30 solo tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for loss as a junior.

Open Gym

Beat the evening heat and have the kids burn off some energy at CEG's Summer Tuesday night Open Gyms! Open for ages 1–18, but please note that ages 1–5 require a parent or guardian to stay with them. 6:15pm–7:30pm at Centre Elite Gymnastics, 177 Champion Drive, Suite 200, State College, PA 16803. $5/members, $10/non-members.

Sam Grisman Project Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the revival of timeless acoustic music inspired by the legacies of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts 2025

6 AM – 1 PM — The Pennsylvania State University — Free entry — Celebrate the arts with over 300 artists, live performances, and community festivities.

The Rocket Blasters Live

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Allen Street Pizza — No cover charge — Experience a mix of classic and modern Top-40 Rock hits spanning decades from The Beatles to Lady Gaga.

Live Music: Anchor&Arrow Performance

6-9 p.m. — HiWay Pizza Pub — Free entry — Enjoy high-energy performances from Happy Valley’s FUNked-Up duo, combining soul, funk, rock, and jazz.

Albert Cummings Live

8-11 p.m. — The State Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying blues of renowned guitarist Albert Cummings.

All About the Importers

6:00 PM — Allen Street Grill — $31 to $50 — Explore the art of importing flavors from the world’s best food and drink to local establishments.

Boalsburg Farmers Market

2-6 p.m. — Pennsylvania Military Museum — Free entry — Explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties every Tuesday afternoon.